Chapter 218: Farewell (Part 2)

When it rains, it pours. I woke up last night to a power outage and managed to type out a chapter on my laptop while still in bed. I only had a chapter and a half ready, but the power just came back on, so I quickly got out of bed to upload one. After I've had more sleep, I'll work on getting two chapters done.

I've decided to turn over a new leaf and gradually increase my writing speed. Any recent delays in updates should be considered unavoidable accidents.

Yu Hezhong's demeanor was mysterious, but his smile didn't suggest he'd found some unsavory secret passage. There was a hint of smugness and showmanship in his smile, indicating some genuinely interesting insider information. Ning Yi thought that Jin'er had probably already pulled Yunzhu towards Chen Luoyuan's residence. If he could see something interesting, he'd have something to talk about later. So, he followed Yu Hezhong towards the other side of the woods.

On the way, Yu Hezhong smiled as he told Ning Yi about the spring outing.

"I suppose Young Ning already knows about today's gathering. While it's supposedly an invitation from Master Chen, in reality, many more are probably here to see the young lady from the capital. Heh, I just saw quite a few pleasure boats arriving by the river. Oh, by the way, are you familiar with any of the courtesan leaders or 'Flower Queens' from the Jiangning area, Young Ning?"

"Not particularly, no."

"Heh, I've heard recently that Miss Qilan is good at poetry and prose, has a scholarly air, and plays the zither skillfully. And Luo Miaomiao's dance is like a celestial maiden scattering flowers... These people are likely all coming today, so everyone should be able to see some good performances..."

Though he spoke this way, there was a hint of sarcasm in his eyes. Ning Yi nodded with a smile. "Indeed, with so many people here, if we miss this chance, we might have to wait until the annual courtesan competition to see them. They perform, and we simply watch."

"Are you only here for the performances, Young Ning?"

"What else would I be here for?"

"Heh." Yu Hezhong gave him a strange look, then seemed to understand, shaking his head. "Actually... among those who came this time, quite a few want to make a name for themselves and stand out at this literary gathering. Young Ning must have heard that even before the young lady from the capital arrived, some people used this news to stir up and exaggerate the situation. They claimed Miss Li was coming to challenge Jiangning's courtesan queens, and then a large group of scholars started clamoring to write great poems and verses to outshine the capital's representatives. Heh, it's pathetic how they're being used without even realizing it. If it hadn't been hyped up like this, that side originally didn't plan on holding this gathering. This time, they're probably just making an appearance."

Yu Hezhong's words carried multiple implications. Ning Yi thought for a moment. "Brother Yu... it seems you're quite familiar with Miss Li?"

"Heh, you'll find out soon enough. I'll keep you in suspense; it's definitely a big surprise."

His words were practically a confession. As they continued walking, Yu Hezhong chattered on. "There's Cao Guan, Liu Qingdi from earlier, and many other famous Jiangning literati, or those who are unknown but eager for fame. If they write a few good poems or verses and gain favor at this literary gathering, they'll certainly be celebrated by everyone later. However, while they are talented, those accompanying Miss Li this time, like Zhou Bangyan and Tang Weiyan, are also exceptionally gifted. If they truly compete, it will be very exciting. Young Ning, if you happen to come up with a few brilliant lines, there's no harm in trying them out..."

Chen Luoyuan's garden was located halfway up the mountain. As they spoke, they walked uphill. Once they exited the small patch of woods, the view opened up. This appeared to be a side or back gate of the garden, enclosed by a wall, with house guards standing at the entrance. Yu Hezhong went ahead and spoke a few words, and sure enough, they were let in without an invitation.

Passing through a small courtyard with a bamboo grove, they arrived in front of a small annex. Yu Hezhong told Ning Yi to wait there and went straight into the annex's gate. After a moment, he came out again, his brows slightly furrowed, as if he hadn't found the person he was looking for.

He looked around a bit awkwardly, clearly unfamiliar with this part of the garden. He then smiled and said a few words to Ning Yi before heading towards a door on the left. He simply told Ning Yi not to wander off, lest he get lost and couldn't be found. Ning Yi sat down on a nearby stone bench. A moment later, he walked around the vicinity and heard voices coming from the courtyard to the right.

"...thinking too optimistically... Those people are all here to make a name for themselves. Why talk about being refined and courteous with them? If they're truly aggressive, are we just supposed to back down?"

"We'll have to accept their challenges."

"But we don't even know how they plan to make things difficult for us; thinking about it now is futile."

"Singing and poetry, it will be mostly those things. For musical performances, Shishi will handle it; no need to worry. When it comes to literary tests, can't we trust Brother Zhou and Brother Tang's talent? Don't overthink it; we'll deal with problems as they arise."

"Those ladies from Jiangning also possess astonishing artistry. Shishi might not necessarily win against them. Brother Xu, don't be too overconfident..."

"Haha, when has Shishi not said that... They shouldn't go too far. Perhaps after a couple of songs and performances, these people will quiet down."

"Hard to say. The ones stirring up trouble behind the scenes are those mercenary merchants. They wouldn't know restraint. Perhaps Qilan will challenge Shishi, then Luo Miaomiao will challenge her, and then every Tom, Dick, and Harry will demand Shishi's guidance. That would truly exhaust her..."

"...Actually, there's not much to worry about. The poetry and prose of people like Cao Guan, Liu Qingdi, and Qi Yukang are nothing special. I met Li Pin last year in Bianjing, and he's no longer in Jiangning. Cao Guan's poetry is decent, commendable even, but ultimately no match for Bangyan's. Oh, I heard they even dug up Ning Liheng. I don't know if that's true. This person keeps a low profile, but the poems he's written, like 'Prelude to Water Melody' and 'Green Jade Case,' can all be passed down through generations."

"Why worry about him? With just two or three lyric poems, he's been hailed as Jiangning's foremost talent. In my opinion, this matter is quite exaggerated. His literary talent hasn't been truly tested; who knows if he's just seeking fame?"

"Heh, I heard this person keeps a low profile and isn't very enthusiastic about various poetry gatherings. There were indeed rumors in the past that he was seeking fame, but after a few coincidences later on, not many people doubted him anymore."

"If he's not enthusiastic, then why is he coming this time...?"

"Who knows? Anyway, whatever challenge he throws down, we'll accept it. In these matters, is there anyone we're afraid of? However, it's not good to always let them take the initiative. I have a few topics here that we can use to scare off some ignorant people first, and prevent just anyone from coming to cause trouble..."

The voices from that side continued for a while, gradually drawing closer. Hearing them mention himself, Ning Yi found it rather amusing. He knew his true literary talent wasn't comparable to theirs, so he wasn't bothered by what they said about him. After listening for a bit, a voice spoke up from behind him.

"Who are you? Outsiders aren't allowed in here."

Behind him stood a petite young woman dressed as a maidservant. She furrowed her brow, trying to look fierce. Ning Yi glanced at her and said, "Someone brought me in."

"Unless Young Lady has specified, no one is allowed to enter. If you have an invitation, Young Master, and have simply taken a wrong turn, please allow Chunmei to escort you back to the front."

The maidservant's attitude was firm, and she immediately moved to lead Ning Yi away. Before Ning Yi could produce his invitation, someone from the other courtyard quickly approached, stepped out of the gate, and looked over. "Who's eavesdropping here?" It was naturally one of the people who had been discussing earlier.

"Young Master Tang, this gentleman seems to have come to the wrong place. Chunmei was just about to take him back to the front."

The young master surnamed Tang frowned. "Does he have an invitation? He didn't just sneak in by climbing over the wall, did he...?" He probably thought Ning Yi had overheard their difficulties and plans, which made his attitude somewhat unwelcoming.

Ning Yi pursed his lips, thinking Yu Hezhong had been gone for quite a while and seemed a bit unreliable. Just as he was about to pull out his invitation, several figures approached the courtyard gate. One female voice said, "Ah, wait, Young Brother Ning, you're here too... Chunmei, this is my invited guest."

Including the young master surnamed Tang who spoke, there were five figures emerging from the courtyard. Four men and one woman. The woman was dressed in bright spring attire, a light cyan dress. Her figure was light and elegant, her long hair flowed down her back, gathered by two white hairbands, adorned with two white flowers. This outfit was neither overly gaudy nor too plain; it exuded an air of elegance amidst its simplicity, clearly chosen with care. She was the Miss Wang Ning Yi had seen with Yu Hezhong that day. With her bangs down, her forehead no longer appeared wide, and her chin was well-proportioned, revealing a hint of charm. Combined with her male attire from that day, in Ning Yi's eyes, she even had a quite stunning presence.

This young lady was speaking for Ning Yi. Her other identity, of course, was the main character everyone wished to see today: Li Shishi, the capital's foremost beauty.

Ning Yi had already made some guesses from Yu Hezhong's mysterious attitude earlier, but getting confirmation now still made him feel how coincidental it was. Having been thoroughly tested in his previous life, Ning Yi rarely felt stunned by people anymore, mostly because of the stark contrast from her unassuming disguise in male attire. Of course, her beauty was naturally outstanding, but what was even more striking than her looks was her temperament—a blend of elegance and approachability, giving the impression that she looked good whether heavily made up or barely adorned.

Perhaps anticipating that Ning Yi might genuinely have entered without an invitation, the young lady immediately interrupted the request for an invitation, thus establishing Ning Yi's legitimate presence. Standing there, she smiled so happily that anyone who saw her would believe she felt genuine joy at his arrival. The maidservant who had been about to lead Ning Yi away pursed her lips, faintly uttered "Oh," and stepped aside. Meanwhile, the young man surnamed Tang in front smiled and cupped his hands in apology.

"So you're an acquaintance of Shishi's. It seems I've offended an unexpected guest. My apologies for just now."

"No harm done," Ning Yi nodded, then looked at the smiling Li Shishi who was walking towards him. "I just met Brother Yu outside, and he brought me here. I'm not sure where he's gone off to now." Although the other party hadn't asked, Ning Yi felt it was necessary to explain, knowing they must be curious.

"So Brother Yu is here too. Chunmei, have you seen Brother Yu?"

"He's with Mama Li."

"Oh, please bring him to find us later then."

"Yes, Young Lady."

After this brief exchange, Ning Yi found it a bit strange that the maidservant named Chunmei seemed somewhat flustered under Li Shishi's questioning. While he could observe this, he naturally couldn't guess the reason. Earlier, Yu Hezhong had gone to look for Li Shishi but, naturally, couldn't find her. Instead, he found Mama Li.

Mama Li already had some reservations about Yu Hezhong. It wasn't that he couldn't afford the courtesan house's expenses; Yu Hezhong's family background was decent, but he was naturally far inferior to others who associated with Li Shishi. And Shishi, due to their old acquaintance, had given him various special treatments, which was always a bit awkward. After a conversation, hearing that he had brought another "old acquaintance" along was too much. Mama Li didn't openly show her displeasure, but simply kept Yu Hezhong occupied there, then instructed the maidservant Chunmei to quickly get rid of this person. This was why Chunmei seemed a bit anxious.

Ning Yi was unaware of this reason. However, the expressions of the others did not escape his notice. After he mentioned Yu Hezhong's name, the expressions of the four scholarly gentlemen shifted from solemnity to slight disapproval. Clearly, their opinion of Yu Hezhong was not very favorable.

These thoughts flashed through his mind. Miss Shishi, who was ahead, also instructed a maidservant to bring over some refreshments and fruits. Only then did she gaze deeply at Ning Yi, give a slight bow, and smile, "When we met that day, my identity was inconvenient to reveal. Young Brother Ning, you don't blame me, do you?" Her tone remained as warm and familiar as that of a girl next door.

Of course, there was nothing to be angry about. Ning Yi smiled, "You did give me quite a fright."

"Heh," Shishi lowered her head, smiling, then turned back. "Oh, Young Brother Ning, please come sit with us. Let me introduce you..."

As she spoke, one of the young masters, observing Li Shishi's expression, waved towards them. "Since he's a friend of Shishi's, he's a friend of ours. Why don't you come over and join us? It's important for everyone to discuss today's strategy together."

The group then headed towards the courtyard. The four men walked ahead, still discussing how to handle the various challenges of the day. Shishi walked behind with Ning Yi, idly tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Isn't this meeting a bit abrupt? Shishi was also startled. Brother Yu really should have informed us beforehand." Then she chuckled, "What they're calling a 'strategy' is a bit exaggerated. Although today's gathering is a grand literary event, it has little to do with Shishi. Young Brother Ning, if you're interested later, you can also showcase your talent, but there's no need to worry about Shishi."

She simply thought Ning Yi was the same bookworm from back then, someone who would always find it difficult to make a mark at such top-tier literary gatherings. She didn't want him to feel burdened. Of course, if he truly wrote some poems later, she wouldn't be able to resist praising him.

Her words were overheard by the young man surnamed Tang, who was a little behind. He turned back and smiled, "Ah, Shishi, you're mistaken. We're not exaggerating. At this literary gathering, your reputation as the capital's foremost beauty is at stake, and so is the face of us scholars from the capital. A strategy is indeed needed. This gentleman seems to be a local; he knows much more than we do. Shishi, you can't fool him."

The courtyard area featured a pavilion located halfway up the mountain, offering beautiful scenery and a wide view. As they spoke, the three men in front had already entered the pavilion, sat down at a round table, nodded with smiles, and took up the conversation. One of them said, "Exactly, exactly. The gathering itself is a minor matter; reputation is paramount. Even if Cao Guan's group comes at us in turns this time, we absolutely cannot afford to lose."

"The wind howls, the Yishui River is cold..."

"In short, our challenge against the Jiangning elites today will surely become a celebrated literary anecdote in the future."

"So what if even that formidable Ning Liheng comes? I'll take him on right here."

The men chattered and laughed, yet carried themselves with an air of open-minded scholarly elegance. As they joked, Ning Yi and Shishi had also taken their seats. The young man surnamed Tang, who had first spoken to Ning Yi, estimated that their banter had temporarily eased any awkwardness. He cupped his hands and said, "By the way, I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Tang Weiyan."

Ning Yi nodded, "I've long heard of you..." Another man on the side cupped his hands and said, "Xu Dongmo."

"I am Fang Wenyang."

"I am Zhou Bangyan. And this young brother is..."

Among them, Zhou Bangyan was probably the oldest and most renowned. After introducing himself, he posed the question, and Shishi beside them began, "This is..."

Ning Yi also cupped his hands and said, "Ning Liheng."

"Ah, so it's Brother Ning... We were just..."

The atmosphere was pleasant and harmonious, and everyone was smiling. Tang Weiyan was the first to continue speaking, until this point, when he paused slightly in surprise. The others also sensed that something was amiss. A few seconds later, their expressions all turned a little strange, as they exchanged glances. Ning Yi also nodded, naturally meeting their gazes. The young lady named Shishi, sitting beside him, looked over, her lips slightly parted, blinking her eyes a few times, then a few more.

After a moment, Ning Yi helplessly spread his hands. He knew this situation would arise, but he couldn't very well not introduce himself, could he...?

Tyrannosaurus Rex wishes everyone a good morning! I just woke up.